Regarding Windows XP Service Pack 3
Microsoft recently released SP 3 for Windows XP. It is primarily a
compilation of the many Windows Updates that have occured since Service
Pack 2 was released three and a half years ago. There are only four new
features, which most users will not notice.
The articles that I have read are pretty much positive. The
discussion at the LAN administrators' meeting yesterday was non-committal,
in that there are no big risks and no big gains.
The following quote sums it up:
"All things considered, Windows XP Service Pack 3
proves to be a fairly anticlimactic final release
in the XP service pack line. It won’t blow up your
computer, but it won’t make it very much better, either."
from - http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/006526.html
Downsides:
1. You cannot uninstall Internet Explorer version 7 without uninstalling
the entire service pack.
2. Breaks some computers that use the AMD microprocessor, mostly HP and
Compaq computers. Look for the "Intel Inside" sticker on the front of
your computer.
3. It takes about an hour over a high speed connection if you manually
run Windows Updates from Internet Explorer.
Upsides:
1. Keeping up with all current software versions is mandated by Duke
security policies.
2. You can continue to leave automatic updates enabled without repeatedly
being bugged to update to Service Pack 3.
3. Some people report that their computer performs faster.
Recommendation:
1. Leave automatic updates enabled to get Service Pack 3 when Microsoft
automatically sends it later in the summer.
Released: May 15, 2008
